What little hifi experience I have tells me that equipment synergy determines an enjoyable or disgusting listening experience. With that in mind I only have one contribution, that being in the underrated category. I have used a McCormack ALD-1 Deluxe preamp with external power supply and phono stage for years now and found it an easy blend with just about every piece of equipment I've hooked up to it.
It's various configuration options allow it's owner to tinker (I don't mean modify) with inputs and outputs till even the least acceptable (in the hifi community) piece of source equipment, cable etc. becomes more than just passable.
It's various configuration options allow it's owner to tinker (I don't mean modify) with inputs and outputs till even the least acceptable (in the hifi community) piece of source equipment, cable etc. becomes more than just passable.